Discharge Instructions for Laparoscopic Splenectomy

Your doctor performed a splenectomy, the surgical removal of your spleen. Located in the upper left portion of your abdomen, your spleen acted as a filter for blood and helped your body fight infection. Your doctor made three or four small incisions in your abdomen and then inserted tubelike instruments through these incisions to remove your spleen. Here’s what you need to know about home care.

Activity

• Ask your friends and family to help with chores and errands while you recover.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds to avoid straining your incisions.

• Avoid strenuous activity. Increase your activity slowly as you heal.

Incision Care

• Check your incisions daily for signs of infection (redness, swelling, or separation of the skin).

• Shower as needed, as long as your incisions aren’t draining, swelling, or red.

• Wash your incision gently with mild soap and warm water and pat dry.

Other Home Care

• Take pain relievers as directed.

• Check your temperature each day for 7 days after your surgery.

• Return to your regular diet as tolerated. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Preventing and Treating Infections

• Remember, you have a higher risk of infection because you don’t have a spleen.

• Take antibiotic medication after surgery as directed by your doctor. Antibiotics help prevent infection. Take ALL the antibiotic pills you are given until they are gone.

• Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinations. You will be more prone to infection after the surgery.

• Get medical attention even for mild illnesses such as sinus problems or colds. Your doctor may want to prescribe antibiotics and monitor your condition.

• Be sure to tell all your healthcare providers (such as your dentist, primary care doctor, and nurse practitioner) that you have had your spleen removed.

• Consider getting a medical alert ID bracelet that says you don’t have a spleen.

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.